Canada and the United Kingdom have announced the signing of a new Canada-United Kingdom (UK) Youth Mobility Arrangement, set to take effect in 2024. This agreement builds on the existing youth mobility accord between the two nations and introduces significant enhancements, offering young adults from the UK more opportunities to experience life and work in Canada.
- Expansion of Eligibility Age to 18-35: In a major change, the eligibility age for participants in the Canada-UK Youth Mobility program will be expanded from 18 to 35 years. This move will open doors for a wider range of young adults from the UK, allowing them to explore and engage in Canadian society and workforce.
- Introduction of New Streams: The updated arrangement will introduce two new streams for UK nationals moving to Canada. These additional streams are expected to provide more tailored options for participants, catering to specific work or career experiences, thereby enriching the mobility program.
- Extended Visa Period to 3 Years: Under the new agreement, participants will benefit from an extended visa period of 3 years, up from the current 2-year term. This extended stay will enable them to have a more immersive experience in Canada, contributing to its diverse culture and workforce.
Canada’s International Experience Canada (IEC) Program:
- Working Holiday: Participants receive open work permits, granting them the freedom to work for any employer in Canada.
- International Co-op (Internship): Participants obtain employer-specific work permits, allowing them to gain valuable work experience related to their studies.
- Young Professional: Participants receive employer-specific work permits to gain targeted work experience relevant to their career paths.
Canada’s IEC Program and International Mobility:
Canada currently has youth mobility agreements with 37 countries, offering the IEC program to nearly 90,000 youth globally in 2023. This initiative aims to address the country’s labor shortages and foster international cooperation.
Canada’s Goal to Welcome 500,000 New Permanent Residents Annually:
With an ambitious target of welcoming 500,000 new permanent residents annually by 2025, Canada seeks to bolster its economic and fiscal health. As over 9 million baby boomers approach retirement, increased immigration will contribute to a dynamic and growing workforce.
Smooth Transition to Permanent Residence:
Canadian federal and provincial governments encourage individuals with Canadian work experience to transition to permanent residence. Research shows that domestic work experience leads to robust labor market outcomes for immigrants.
Factors Enhancing Permanent Residency Transition for UK Youth:
Youth from the UK participating in the IEC program are well-positioned to transition to Canadian permanent residence. Their young age, fluency in English, and Canadian work experience offer advantageous factors for a successful immigration process.